#lowbones

A SIMPLE MAN series on AO3 starring - Royally fucked up alley cat - Saint Bernhard dog in human form - Bad tempered bald eagle with the shits - Sneaky poodle shitty at cooking - Foxy unladylike sailor - Murderous kitten with cooler hat than you

Another shiver has him turn his attention to the man in his arms again and he lowers down onto Ned’s ear. “You’re cold?” “It’ll pass.” Faster if he allows Billy to warm him up. It’s still too early for the men who’re not among the night shift to come up and interrupt them and so Billy discretely opens his shirt to give Ned some heat to lean back into. The offer is accepted and he can feel how his matelot molds into him and the tense muscles slowly dropping some of the strain. He’s called Elijah Marbles among the crew now. Or just Marbles. Rarely the fake first name. Ned asked for that himself and after a few days, even those with bad memory had gotten used to it. Billy will admit they might’ve improved due to his own frown of disproval with the slips. Right now, he’s just Ned, though. His Ned. ____________ To @turidtorkilsdottir with love <3

It might be a useless effort though. Every breath is a stab from cracked ribs, his blind eye has been burnt and the man must’ve started to doubt himself at the end because it’s just a fucking mystery how Ned is still alive. He might not be able to move, but he can stay silent. Silence is a language he learned along with violence while coming of age and it’s useful now. Never show, never let them see, or hear. Never let him know, Rich! @e-a-phoenix with the crackiest of love from the depths of the seven seas <3

Yes, it’s Saturday but I want ya’ll to know that Billy forced Ned to listen to this during cooking while dating.  This is when they first held hands. This is their first time sleeping in the same bed. This is where they listened to the song and spilled food everywhere. This is when Ned dragged Billy with him to a black metal concert. This is when Ned felt a little jealous and Vane put him at ease This is when Billy introduced Ned and Hal to each other. This is their first night together as married. This is two ace husbands missing each other. This is when they saw each other naked for the first time and remained as ace as they knew they were. It’s probably one of funniest fan fic projects I’ve ever written and the first time I fully embraced the idea of an asexual couple. It was challenging and different and disgustingly fluffy.

Night comes as a longed for friend, a cradle of ease, mercy for the one who deserves it as well as those who don’t. The mute swordmaster stands guard tonight. As on every pirate ship, there’s a rotating schedule no one except those of extremely poor sight get away from entirely. Billy most likely has a few nights waiting, since he’s allowed to get away for now. ________________ I hope ALL of this is a little bit more to your taste, dearest @e-a-phoenix, my queen/king or pirates - and also to you, my dear @turidtorkilsdottir!(And now I’ll finally have the time and peace of mind to sit down and dive into your lovely gunnbones story!)

Silver is in pain today and usually, Flint wouldn’t see any need or urge to increase it. He’s not always a monster, he still has moments of decency and awareness of his men. Leaned back in his chair, not inviting Silver to sit down but simply waiting for the leg to force him to, is petty, but there are so few ways to make this man admit weakness or defeat, that Flint will take his victories where he can find them. _______________ Another one for you @e-a-phoenix and @turidtorkilsdottir <3

“You need anything down here, Silver?” “No.” “Then leave.” “I… I wanted to talk to you.” “Unless the ship’s on fire, you can fucking wait!” Silver sighs, he can’t believe he’s doing this. “You’ll see him again, Billy.” There’s a moment of silence and Silver can almost hear the cogs of Billy’s thoughts spin two or three laps in different directions. The first mate’s mouth turns hard, lips pressed tightly together, Silver can’t see it but he can picture it. “I do not know what you’re talking about.” ________________ @e-a-phoenix with love <3

“Yer father printed bloody pamphlets, mine was a thief. The only thing I’ve ever needed to read, are people’s faces an’ movements.” “Your mother though?” “My dear mother, blessed be her soul, wouldna have dared to come close to a book. Women don’ need books, especially not if their husbands don’.” “Well… father always said everyone needs to know how to read and write. That words are what makes us… human.” “I’m an animal, sweet lad. Admittedly, my claws are a bit blunt at the moment, but…” Sweet lad. Billy smiles at the endearment disguised as a scorn. Blunt is a word that suits Ned with or without claws, but just because he’s a savage and can’t read, doesn’t mean he’s truly barbarous. @e-a-phoenix with all the love the ocean can carry <3